The Godmother

Today is the day. I finally turn 20. I’m Ximena Sanchez and I’m the youngest of four kids. I’m also the only girl out of those four kids. My brothers have always been my world and they still are. For my family, your 20th birthday was a very big deal. And not because it meant you were officially legal but because you could now be part of the family business. No one was allowed to know what it was or what it is that the workers do. -Andrei: Ximena hurry up. We’re going to be late. That was my brother Andrei Sanchez. The most impatient of all of us. If we had somewhere to be, Andrei always made sure we were there on time. -Ximena: I’ll be down in a minute. -Andrei: It’s been 3 hours xi. I quickly glanced at myself in the mirror. I was wearing a tight pink mini dress. It was a birthday gift from Tenshi. We’ve been best friends for as long as I can remember. My dad and her dad were business partners and friends. Her 20th birthday was not long ago so she’s been waiting on me so we could join together. I ran my fingers through my black curls once more and headed downstairs. -Alvaro: Look who finally decided to join us. -Tenshi: You look so gorgeous. Alvaro was the eldest. And the most stable one. He has an amazing wife and a baby on the way. He’s that cool older brother everyone wishes they had. Lucky for me, I had him. -Ximena: Thank you. You have great taste Tenshi. -Tenshi: Tell me something I don’t know. Being a model comes with its perks you know. -Javier: Can you guys finish this conversation in the car? We’re going to be late. I felt an arm wrap around my shoulder. It was Ahyeon. We met in Middle school and been friends ever since. When we were in high school, we were a powerful trio. Ran the high school for a while until it was time for college. From what I’ve heard, others have tried to copy us. They’ll never get there because they aren’t us. After a drive that seemed very long, we arrived at the secret location of the party. I knew it was happening but I wasn’t allowed to know anything else about it. The outside of the building seemed normal but once we arrived inside. It was a spectacular view. Ballons were on the ceiling, just floating there. The theme was quite obvious. The Colours were gold, black with touches of silver. Happy birthday signs hanged everywhere. Tables filled with food, drinks and gifts. I felt tears fill up my eyes. This was one of the nicest things my family has done for me. -Lorenzo: mi hija! You made it!! Happy birthday mi amor. My father. The most important person in my life. He was so selfless in everything he did. He would give his pay checks to donations who needed it. He built homeless shelters. And he did so much more, which made him the best man alive in my eyes. -Ximena: Muchas gracias papi! I can’t believe you guys planned all this. -Lorenzo: Anything for mi estrella. -Ximena: Te quiero mucho papa! -Javier: Let’s party!!!! We danced, ate and sang the night away. Everyone except for close friends and family left. It was around 3am at the time. It was time for what we were all waiting for. BOOM BOOM BOOM Someone was knocking on the door. Very aggressively too. -Javier: The party ended. Who the hell could that be? -Lorenzo: I don’t think we should open the door. Si es alguien que olvidó algo, puede volver mañana. My dad faced was drained of every drop of blood he had. It seems like he was scared or something. -Ximena: I think we should open the door. What if it’s an emergency? -Tenshi: I agree. I went with Tenshi to get the door. Once we opened, there was a line of police standing in front of us. It couldn’t have been noise complaint. We’re not close to any neighbourhood. What do I even say to them? I don’t have much experience with talking to the police. Badhum Badhum That was my heart. I didn’t do anything wrong but they still scared me. Why are they dress like we’re hiding someone dangerous? Looking vaguely at them, they seem fit